Effects of UV Irradiation on the Emission of Spores and (1→3)-β-D-glucan from growing Aspergillus versicolor

Faculty Mentor

Atin Adhikari

Location

Russell Union Ballroom

Type of Research

Proposed

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Department

Biology

Abstract

Background and Objective: Exposure to fungi can cause respiratory allergies, dysfunction, and other adverse health effects. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was previously used for fungal disinfection by damaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This study examined how UVC exposure (253 nm) affects the emission characteristics of spores and hyphal fragments from growing Aspergillus versicolor. Methods: Fungal spores and hyphal fragments from growth surfaces were aerosolized using a Fungal Spore Source Strength Tester (FSSST) and collected with a NIOSH bioaerosol cyclone sampler. Fungal aerosols were quantified using three analytical approaches: traditional culture-based methods, non-culture-based methods (fluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence staining), and fragment analysis based on (1→3)-β-D-glucan measurements. Results: Increasing UVC exposure time reduced spore concentration and viability. >1.8 μm fractions (1→3)-β-D-glucan decreased from 2.2 × 10⁸ to 3.7 × 10⁷ pg/m³ after 10 minutes, portraying an 83.2% reduction. Viability declined from 54.7% to 1.7% after 10 minutes of irradiation. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that UVC irradiation decreases fungal viability and emissions while promoting fragmentation linked to cell wall disruption. The reduction in viability was associated with an increased proportion of (1→3)-β-D-glucan in the fragment size fraction, indicating structural damage to fungal cell walls and membranes. These fine and possibly ultrafine particles may penetrate deeper into the human respiratory system and pose potential health risks.

Program Description

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Start Date

4-23-2026 2:00 PM

End Date

4-23-2026 4:00 PM

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Apr 23rd, 2:00 PM Apr 23rd, 4:00 PM

Effects of UV Irradiation on the Emission of Spores and (1→3)-β-D-glucan from growing Aspergillus versicolor

Russell Union Ballroom

Background and Objective: Exposure to fungi can cause respiratory allergies, dysfunction, and other adverse health effects. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was previously used for fungal disinfection by damaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This study examined how UVC exposure (253 nm) affects the emission characteristics of spores and hyphal fragments from growing Aspergillus versicolor. Methods: Fungal spores and hyphal fragments from growth surfaces were aerosolized using a Fungal Spore Source Strength Tester (FSSST) and collected with a NIOSH bioaerosol cyclone sampler. Fungal aerosols were quantified using three analytical approaches: traditional culture-based methods, non-culture-based methods (fluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence staining), and fragment analysis based on (1→3)-β-D-glucan measurements. Results: Increasing UVC exposure time reduced spore concentration and viability. >1.8 μm fractions (1→3)-β-D-glucan decreased from 2.2 × 10⁸ to 3.7 × 10⁷ pg/m³ after 10 minutes, portraying an 83.2% reduction. Viability declined from 54.7% to 1.7% after 10 minutes of irradiation. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that UVC irradiation decreases fungal viability and emissions while promoting fragmentation linked to cell wall disruption. The reduction in viability was associated with an increased proportion of (1→3)-β-D-glucan in the fragment size fraction, indicating structural damage to fungal cell walls and membranes. These fine and possibly ultrafine particles may penetrate deeper into the human respiratory system and pose potential health risks.